- Keeping your device with you helps ensure control of your data.
- ITS has loaner devices you can borrow when travelling.
- When a device is stolen, data thieves have more time to attempt to overcome passwords.
- Mobile device theft is more likely when travelling.
- If your device is lost or stolen contact Campus Safety right away.
- Always enable a password or passcode on your device.
- Be wary of storing devices in hotels and leaving them unattended for even brief periods of time.
Your laptop, tablet and cellphone are storehouses and or gateway to valuable information. If your device is lost or stolen and contains any Colgate information, you need to immediately contact Campus Safety. Information can be exploited should it fall into the wrong hands. Plan ahead so you can keep your device with you when traveling. ITS has basic loaner devices that you can borrow. We know from experience, devices are also accidently left on restaurant tables, in conference rooms and even bathrooms. For mobile devices, including laptops, maintaining control of these devices means you have it in your possession or it is secured in a locked location.
Hotel rooms are not secure locations. According to Department of Justice crime reports, the most frequent crime reported in hotels is property related. While theft on airplanes appears rare, the loss of luggage is not. Keep your devices in your carry on bag. A 2010 CNET survey notes that about 5.5 million computers were stolen in the United States over a three year period with only 3% recovered.
Another risk regarding stolen or misplaced devices is the time someone has with your device to try to unlock it. This underlines the importance of using strong passwords and passcodes, lock screens and disabling auto login. Mobile devices with a four digit passcode are at greater risk because they are smaller and easier to lose and typically people avoid complex access controls.
Enabling location services is an essential step in protecting your devices. Many devices, particularly Apple iOS devices, provide a means to locate, lock down or erase your mobile device remotely. To learn more, visit the following:
For more information on how to protect your mobile device from theft, check out this article:
http://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-Mobile-Phone-from-Being-Stolen
Blog Post: Secure Your Mac When You Step Away
http://blogs.colgate.edu/its/2015/04/secure-your-mac-when-you-step-away.html
Blog Post: Secure Your PC When You Step Away
http://blogs.colgate.edu/its/2015/04/secure-your-pc-when-you-step-away.html
If your device does become lost or stolen, contact Campus Safety immediately at extension 7333.
For more information, contact the ITS Help Desk at extension 7111 or email ITSHelp@colgate.edu.
Contributors: Ellen Holm, Ahmad Khazaee, Kevin Lynch and Mark Hine.